Taraweeh: 18th Night

Beginning of the Nineteenth Juz

Allâh tells Rasulullâh Salallâhu 'alayhi wasallam that he should not be distressed about the harassment of the Kuffâr because "Your Rabb suffices as a Guide and a Helper." (verse 31)

Allâh also commands Rasulullâh Salallâhu 'alayhi wasallam to tell the people that he requires no remuneration for his efforts to propagate Islâm. The only reward he desired was that people follow the straight path and become true bondsmen of Allâh who "walk on earth with humility and, when the ignorant talk to them, they (avoid disputes when they) say, "Peace" (verse 63). This means that they do not enter into arguments with ignorant people and gracefully pass by them. Allâh then makes it clear that the true Mu'minîn will attain lofty ranks of Jannah while the Kuffâr will be unable to save themselves from Allâh's punishment.

Sûrah Shu'arâ follows Sûrah Furqân. This Sûrah contains the stories of Hadhrat Mûsa and Hadhrat Ibrahîm as well as mention of the destruction of the Âd, the Thamûd and the nation of Hadhrat Nûh Alayhis Salâm. Allâh also makes mention of the plight that evil poets who are constantly lost in their futile thoughts will suffer.

Addressing Rasulullâh Salallâhu 'alayhi wasallam Allâh states, "It seems like you will destroy yourself because they are not believing. If We willed, We would have revealed a great sign to them from the sky, causing their necks to bow before it in humility" (verses 3 and 4). However, because the Kuffâr have already refused to accept the truth, they will have to suffer the punishment for their obstinacy.

Allâh then proceeds to recount the stories of Hadhrat Ibrahîm, Hadhrat Nûh, Hadhrat Hûd Hadhrat Sâlih, Hadhrat Lût and Hadhrat Shu'ayb Alayhimus Salâm. Each one of these incidents is a means of guidance for people, but there will still be many rejecters who refuse to believe in them and will mock at them. Allâh says, "They have certainly denied, so shortly the news of what they used to mock at will come to them." (verse 61)

The Mushrikîn claimed that Rasulullâh Salallâhu 'alayhi wasallam was a poet and that the Qur'ân was a composition of poetry. Allâh denies that the Qur'ân could ever be the work of a poet or a Jinn. Allâh concludes the Sûrah by saying, "Only deviated people follow the poets. Do you not see that they wander astray in every valley? And that they say things which they never do? Save for those (poets) who believe, do good acts, remember Allâh abundantly and avenge themselves after being oppressed. Shortly the oppressors will come to know to which place they will return." (verses 224 to 228)

In this Tarawîh only a part of Sûrah Nami (up to verse 6) is recited. Allâh states that the Qur'ân is "a guidance and a conveyor of glad tidings for the believers." In this regard, the Sûrah proceeds to discuss the epics of Hadhrat Mûsa, Hadhrat Dawûd, Hadhrat Sulaymân the Âd and the Thamud. Allâh opens the, Sûrah by saying, "These are the verses of the Qur'ân and a clear Book. (It is) a guidance and a conveyor of glad tidings for the believers; those who establish Salâh, pay zakâh and are convinced about the Âkhirâh." (verse 1-3)

Allâh further says that He has beautified the acts of the Kuffâr so that they continue to sin and earn multiple punishment for it. Allâh says about them, For such people there shall be a terrible punishment and they will be the worst losers in the Âkhirâh. (verse 5). Thereafter, Allâh addresses Rasulullâh Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam saying, "Undoubtedly, you are given the Qur'ân from the Wise, the All Knowing." (verse 6)

Allâh relates the detail incidents of Hadhrat Dawûd and Hadhrat Sulaymân. The stories of these two illustrious Ambiyâ begin with verse 15 where Allâh says, "We granted knowledge to Dawûd and Sulaymân." Among the many bounties that Allâh conferred on them was that He taught them the language of the birds and also granted them control over the Jinn, humans, animals and birds. Allâh recounts these incidents so that people may learn lessons and realise the power of Allâh.

May Allâh grant us all the capacity to follow Rasulullâh and may Allâh save us from all sins; especially from those sins that were the cause for other nations to be destroyed. May Allâh also afford us the consciousness to accept the Qur'ân as a fountainhead of guidance and our code of life. Âmîn.